Fix low or quiet sound in Windows
Applies To
If sound plays quietly, is muted, or apps output at different levels, use these steps to restore normal audio.
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Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
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Select Volume mixer.
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Make sure the volume slider is turned up for:
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System
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The affected app
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Ensure the app isn’t muted.
Audio enhancements can reduce or distort output volume.
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Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
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Under Output, select your audio device.
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Select Audio enhancements.
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Turn off enhancements and test the sound.
Unsupported or incorrect formats may play at low volume.
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Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
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Under Output, select your audio device.
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Select Advanced.
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Under Default format, select a different format, then test audio.
A corrupted or outdated driver can cause low sound.
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Select Start, and type Device Manager and select it from search results.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right‑click your audio device and select Update driver.
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Restart your PC.
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If the issue continues, uninstall the driver and reinstall it from your device manufacturer’s website.
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
If audio is quiet or muted in Windows 10, try these steps to restore normal volume.
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Right‑click the Volume icon in the taskbar.
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Select Open Volume mixer.
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Make sure the sliders for the system and the affected app are set to a higher volume and aren’t muted.
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Right‑click the Volume icon and select Sounds.
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Open the Playback tab.
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Select your audio device and then select Properties.
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Open the Enhancements tab.
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Check Disable all enhancements, then select OK.
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Right‑click the Volume icon and select Sounds.
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Open the Playback tab.
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Select your audio device and then select Properties.
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Open the Advanced tab.
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Under Default format, choose a different format and test audio.
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Select Start, and type Device Manager ​​​​​​​and select it from search results.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right‑click your audio device Update driver.
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Restart your PC.
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If needed, uninstall the driver and reinstall it from the device manufacturer’s website.
If you are facing a different audio issue, refer to Fix Audio/Sound problems in Windows.